8/3/2024 Swawilla and Bridge Creek Update

 

Swawilla and Bridge Creek Update 08-03-2024

• EVACUATIONS:  Please see the map for UPDATED (8/3/24) evacuation areas. The evacuation center located at the Republic Fairgrounds is closed for residents, but is still accepting animals.  For questions on evacuations contact the Colville Confederated Tribes EOC– (509) 634-7350.
  
  
• Closed/Open Roads (see Quick Facts charts for specifics):
• Bridge Creek Road is open.
• Peter Dan Road/Manilla Creek Road and Buffalo Lake Road are open to local resident traffic only. 
• Keno Mine Road is closed
• SanPoil Road is closed
• 30 Mile Road is closed
• All roads within the fire area are closed, except those that are listed as open to local resident traffic only.

Swawilla Fire

Burn operations were a success, and the fuel between containment lines and the fire edge have been consumed; adding depth to the northern perimeter. Controlled burning around Jack Creek will continue today to strengthen containment lines around more problematic areas. Extinguishing heat along control lines and mopping up around homes remains a top priority. Securing the perimeter along the Hwy 21 corridor will continue along with added tactical patrols to the northeastern portion of the fire.  A Type 2 helicopter arrived yesterday and will be in available for bucket work. 

Bridge Creek Fire

Suppression repair plans, (seeding and erosion control) are under way on the Bridge Creek fire, and implementation will occur over the next few days.  

Fire Weather 

Yesterday, red flag conditions tested containment lines, but the fire lines held. Today will be a continuation of the hot and dry trend, however we have moved out of the red flag warning. The weather will be unstable for the next few days which should lift smoke and clear the air a bit this afternoon. Firefighters may see some crown fire and an uptick in overall fire behavior.                                                                                                 

Safety Message

With the low air stability, smoke should lift into the atmosphere, however ignition of pockets of unburned areas within the fire may put up some increased smoke in the next few days. The increased smoke may impact driving visibility. Visit airnow.govfor air quality in your area and take precautions for protecting your health. 

Please slow down when driving all roads leading to and from the fires. There is a considerable amount of firefighting traffic and slow-moving equipment along roads and poor visibility.  

Boaters should avoid emergency firefighting aircraft using any waterbodies to acquire water to suppress fires.  

No drones are allowed within our Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR). 

Remember, if you fly, we can’t!  

Additional Information and Maps at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/, Keller Ferry, https://www.facebook.com/CCTENV, https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts; Airnow.gov https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo/